The Interferon System

This book is an update of Interferon, published in 1969 by Dr. Jan Vilcek. The field of interferon research has since expanded from its former narrow treatment of interferon strictly as an antiviral substance, such that The Interferon System now encompasses cellular modulations ranging from immune alterations to cell proliferative restrictions to antitumor activities. The steadily increasing number of these non-antiviral functions of interferons emphasizes the need for a comprehensive - and critical - review of the entire literature of interferon studies. The text, with its supporting bibliography, provides complete coverage of interferon research. A newcomer to the area should find here all the informa­ tion necessary to understand why interferon, which has been studied for more than twenty years and which originally stirred excitement over its clinical pros­ pects, is still inspiring speculation about this potential. For those already fa­ miliar with the seemingly perpetual clinical promise of interferon, this volume should serve as a valuable reference source, the largest bibliography on the subject ever to appear under one cover. Clearly, this book should be considered only as an introduction to the topic and as a reference source; most questions about the interferon system are still unanswered - even unasked. Hopefully this summation and critical evalua­ tion of work done to date will stimulate and facilitate further progress. Front Matter....Pages I-XII Introduction....Pages 1-12 Interferon Assays....Pages 13-26 Interferon Inducers....Pages 27-57 Induction Mechanisms....Pages 58-76 The Genetics of Interferon Production....Pages 77-89 Interferon Production....Pages 90-133 Interferons: Their Purification and Characterization....Pages 134-183 The Genetics of Interferon Action....Pages 184-195 Mechanisms of Antiviral Actions of Interferons....Pages 196-222 Non-Antiviral Actions of Interferons....Pages 223-256 Pharmacokinetics of Interferons....Pages 257-265 Antiviral Actions of Interferons in Animals....Pages 266-291 Antitumor Activities of Interferons in Animals....Pages 292-304 Interferon in the Clinic....Pages 305-321 Prelude to the Interferon System....Pages 322-323 Back Matter....Pages 324-493